Laos is stepping up efforts for the use of electric vehicles in the country and will be launching a pilot project for vehicle battery charging stations. The Ministry of Energy and Mines is set to work with the private sector on the project as part of efforts to support the government’s move to minimise the use of fossil fuels.

In his opening remarks at an event held on April 2 to sign a memorandum of understanding on the project, the country’s Minister of Energy and Mines Khammany Inthirath said Laos imports a large volume of fuel annually which has caused a huge trade deficit over the years.

“We are heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels which causes a huge annual deficit. Therefore, this pilot project on the use of electric vehicles will be very helpful in decreasing the consumption of fuel,” he said.

Laos is promoting the use of clean energy in the transport sector as part of measures to translate the government’s policy into an action plan until 2025, a strategy for 2030 and a vision for 2050 for supplying energy to the sector.

“Laos has abundant potential for the use of natural resources such as water, solar power, wind and waste. These could be used to generate 26,000 megawatt annually. So far, about 20 per cent of this potential has been developed,” he said.

Khammany said Laos imports almost two billion liters of fuel per year, worth more than $1 billion.

However, he noted that prior to the official inauguration of clean energy for transport, it was necessary to develop infrastructure, besides charging stations also spare parts outlets and repair centers.

As a first step, Electricite du Laos (EDL) signed an agreement with EV Lao Co Ltd for a feasibility study on charging stations, which will be jointly implemented by the two companies.

EDL managing director Boun-oum Syvanpheng said his firm has been actively studying charging systems for electric vehicles as part of preparations for changing over to clean energy.

EV Lao president Bounleuth Luangpraseuth added the company was keen to work with the government on the possibility of building charging stations.

He said charging stations could be installed at public and private locations and called for recommendations from the public and private sector for the development and operation of electric vehicles in Laos.